Diagnostic accuracy of MRI-CBCT fused images in assessment of clinically diagnosed internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of Fused (MRI)-CBCT images in the assessment of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint. METHODS: MRI and CBCT images of the TMJ were evaluated bilaterally in 10 patients with clinically diagnosed internal derangement. Image fusion was performed using Amira 3D Software (version 5.4.3, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.). RESULTS: The AUC index for MRI-CBCT fused images was 0.83, which was significantly different from the null hypothesis value of 0.5. This was confirmed by inter-examiner reliability index of 0.87, which is statistically significant. CONCLUSION: MRI-CBCT fused images can significantly improve the accuracy and inter-examiner reliability in the evaluation of clinically diagnosed cases with internal derangement.

Cone beam computed tomographic assessment of mandibular condyle in Kennedy class I patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the dimensional and volumetric changes in the mandibular condyle in Kennedy class I patients versus completely dentate patients by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to estimate the effect of loss of posterior teeth on the mandibular condyle. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was performed on one hundred patients requesting CBCT scans: fifty Kennedy class I patients and fifty fully dentate controls. Condyle dimensions mesio-distal, cranio-caudal and antero-posterior as well as condyle volume were measured in both the groups. RESULTS: Kennedy class I patients showed statistically significant higher mean condyle width but lower mean condyle height than the control group. No statistically significant difference was found between the study group and the control group regarding condyle AP dimension. There was no statistically significant difference between condyle volumes in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Loss of posterior teeth is accompanied by significant decrease in condyle height and increase in condyle width with no change in the total condyle volume or antero-posterior dimensions.